About the Carlisle Grounds
The Bray Athletic Ground (To give it its full original title) was first opened in 1862 for the uses of Cricket and Archery. There was an indoor roller-skating rink there between 1876 and 1880, which was quite an unusual facility. The ground also hosted flower shows, croquet and firework displays! The first sign of football ground was around 1910 when the Bray Unknowns adopted the area for its football games, and the first League of Ireland match at the ground in the 1929/30 season was a 2-2 draw between Unknowns and Dundalk. In 1929 the club carried out a substantial update of the ground, creating stands and fencing the area off properly.
In more recent years, a stand has been put up on the railway side of the ground (as seen above) which was completed in 1999. While a temporary stand on the opposite side has brought up the stadium's capacity to 3,250. Wanderers have an extended 31-year lease on the area by Bray County Council and what some people mightn't know is that the stadium doubled up as Croke Park in the 1996 movie Michael Collins!
In more recent years, a stand has been put up on the railway side of the ground (as seen above) which was completed in 1999. While a temporary stand on the opposite side has brought up the stadium's capacity to 3,250. Wanderers have an extended 31-year lease on the area by Bray County Council and what some people mightn't know is that the stadium doubled up as Croke Park in the 1996 movie Michael Collins!
Away Fans
Away fans are really allowed make their own decision as regards where to position themselves. Bray is a family-orientated and charming club, and incidents never take place within the ground. Security is stand-offish and the club are happy to accommodate fans in whatever way possible. On a wet day you're better off opting for the temporary roofed stand, but when the weather is fine the open stand with its fresh sea breeze is a great place to watch a game on a Friday evening
Directions
From Dublin: Using the M11 exit at junction 5 toward Bray N/R761. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Dublin Road heading to Bray. Continue to follow the Dublin Road onto Castle Street. Turn left at Quinsborough Rd.
From South-East: Turn off the N11 at Junction 6 (Signposted Bray), take the third exit back over the road and straight on at the next roundabout (Signposted Bray). Continue straght about 1km and at the T-Junction take a right onto Castle Street. go about 500m and turn left at Quinsborough Rd. The ground is on your left.
Transport Links: If you're coming from Dublin, the DART really is your best bet, and more info can be found at irishrail.ie. Buses 45, 45A, 145 also serve the ground, more info at dublinbus.ie
From South-East: Turn off the N11 at Junction 6 (Signposted Bray), take the third exit back over the road and straight on at the next roundabout (Signposted Bray). Continue straght about 1km and at the T-Junction take a right onto Castle Street. go about 500m and turn left at Quinsborough Rd. The ground is on your left.
Transport Links: If you're coming from Dublin, the DART really is your best bet, and more info can be found at irishrail.ie. Buses 45, 45A, 145 also serve the ground, more info at dublinbus.ie
Parking
Parking is never difficult to find on matchday, and can be found on the nearby Seymour Road or by the train station.
Food & Drink
Outside the Ground: Rule number 1 - Stay clear of Lino's! The last time I went there I got a fish and chips that tasted like each other! Bray Leisure Bowl outside the ground does a perfect simple menu of chips and burgers which is cheap and filling.
Pubs: There's a few pubs in Bray town but it's a good 5/10 minute walk from the ground, best stay sober on the Bray trip!
Inside the Ground: The ground has a shop and chipper which does the trick if you're feeling peckish during the 90 minutes.
Pubs: There's a few pubs in Bray town but it's a good 5/10 minute walk from the ground, best stay sober on the Bray trip!
Inside the Ground: The ground has a shop and chipper which does the trick if you're feeling peckish during the 90 minutes.